The standard question started it all: What would my ideal wedding look like? Curtis Cassell, his caterers, and coworkers often asked this question after a long weekend of weddings. Cassell shares his thoughts with Brides: “Then, I realized that we as queer people often ask if they’d wear a suit or dress.” “Our options are literally either black or white,” that is, up until recently.

LGBT+ people are opting for something other than the traditional white or black suit when choosing wedding-day attire. Queera Wang, Cassell’s brand, aims to offer a range of wedding attire beyond conventional options. Cassell says, “When I started working on the label and the first collection, it was clear that the brand did not necessarily land on womenswear or menswear.” “I took bits and pieces from masculine and feminine elements and made a Frankenstein out of them,” Cassell says.

PHOTO BY HOLTZ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

When you think of wedding attire, what are some things that spring to your mind? Do you feel the need to look sharp and professional, which is why the sleek tux? Do you feel dreamy and ethereal in a long white wedding dress? Cassell’s work is the same. It’s just different from what is expected.

Queera Wang has replaced the traditional tuxedos worn by dapper dandies with deconstructed beige trousers and jackets. Linen is used in place of wool. The classic wedding dress has been bippity-boppity-boop into a garment that looks like an Edwardian. The sleeves of billowing shirts are dramatic with their dramatic puffed sleeves and long, elongated necklines. People are changing, and so is their vision of what they want to wear on their wedding day. He jokes that everyone wants their wedding to look like the Met Gala. Even the choices of colors are not the norm. There’s an earthy beige here and a seductive red elsewhere. You can even choose a deep blue.

The collection is beautiful, but it also speaks to the larger picture. Queer people constantly change the rules of wedding attire, and the options they have for choosing what to wear on their big day are endless. I don’t want to be seen as a ‘genderless brand. Gender-powerful is more accurate. Cassell says, “I love tapping into masculine and female fashions and merging them.” It doesn’t end there. Many of my clients have bodies that don’t fit the rack. It’s not about serving someone’s identity.

In queer wedding fashion, avant-garde isn’t necessarily the only option. Noa Santos and Ross Matsubara found inspiration in film for their wedding dresses. Matsubara says that Matsubara and Noa Santos wanted their wedding attire to reflect their Hawaiian wedding and personalities. Matsubara states that Noa prefers to be minimalistic, clean, and simple, while I gravitate towards patterns, unique details, and sheen. We didn’t want our suits tied to any particular season or collection. The claims should be timeless.

They took their ideas together to David Hart, a New York menswear designer, to create their perfect looks. They were able to create a dream-like environment in which everything seemed effortless. Matsubara chose a bold, jade green paisley print with a sheen in dark hunter and jade. The suit created the illusion that the colors changed depending on how the light hit it. Santos chose a dark hunter green suit in silk-linen fabric. The accessories were similar: matching Magnani patent leather shoes, extensive Tom Ford bow ties, and vintage gold knots.

It was not just the beautiful final designs that made the couple memorable but also the entire process. Hart was involved in creating everything from choosing fabrics to creating silhouettes, which became a lasting memory. Matsubara says that Hart’s tailors and studio are in Greenpoint. This is an area we rarely visit, so the tuxedo designing process was a fun little adventure for us. We would always go to Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. for happy hour oysters, wine, and after each visit. We would talk about the wedding and remember the incredible journey. It became a very memorable tradition.”

The choice of wedding attire for queer couples comes down to personal preference, just like with other types of weddings. There are endless options and no boundaries, but it is essential to remember that what you wear directly affects your couple’s happiness. Cassell said that she had received emails from people stating that they couldn’t imagine getting married until they saw my clothes. “Those are the most empowering moments.

PHOTO BY HOLTZ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Decide on What Matters

One shoe size doesn’t fit all, just like most things. One couple who chooses to be avant-garde doesn’t necessarily mean that another couple who prefers traditional attire is wrong. Your wedding is yours, and your opinion is final. Start by asking yourself basic questions. Do you feel confident going bold? Do you prefer a more classic style? Decide what you value in clothing and how you and your partner will embody that.

Display your personality

The wedding is only one thing. It is essential to showcase your and your partner’s personalities whenever possible. It can be easy to choose something different than the norm. A red suit or a shirt and t-shirt with a billowing collar say enough about your personality. It would help if you also thought about the small details, such as changing the color of your shoes or the bow tie. Perhaps you’d like to wear a unique shirt or adorn your brooch with a stunning pin. It’s all about the details.

Take into account the formalities of the wedding.

Although you don’t have an obligation to follow these codes at your wedding, they can help you decide on your dress. If you ask them, it might be respectful for your guests to wear black ties. At the very least, it should be in some way. A tuxedo is a dress that can be tailored to your taste.

Make a wedding wardrobe.

Do you need options? Or do you want a drastic wardrobe overhaul? It would help if you made compromises with your partner. You might consider having two wedding looks. You may feel you need a formal ceremony in a sharp tuxedo or dress, but you also want something glamorous and campy for the reception. You can never go wrong with a wardrobe change.

Dorota Goldpoint is now part of the design hub’s diverse collection of established and emerging fashion talents.

Dubai, UAE: Dubai Design District (d3), an international center for design, art, and innovation, has expanded its international presence of fashion designers by introducing Polish fashion designer Dorota Goldpoint. She has set an office within the community of the. Goldpoint is among the most famous figures in Polish fashion and design globally. This new addition to the d3 community demonstrates the district’s dedication to developing both young and established talent and providing the world’s most influential and diverse design and mixing for the UAE and the region.

A host of local designers and brand designers, d3 has developed an enviable environment and platform for homegrown designers like Michael Cinco and Amato Couture, who have shown their work in Arab Fashion Week and global runways raising their profile to global heights. This addition to the renowned celebrity Polish designer is in line with the district’s goal of bringing new influences and inspirations into the community, further delighting buyers and fashion enthusiasts in the emirate and the wider region.

Commenting on the newest addition to d3, Khadija Al Bastaki, the Executive Director for Dubai Design District (d3), declares: “At d3, we are always looking for ways to bring together creative talents to create a diverse creative community to work together and promote collaboration, innovation, and challenging the norm. Dubai is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds, and we at d3 are thrilled to play an integral role in showcasing the diversity and the very best in creative thinking that comes from not only the UAE but also the regionally and internationally.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dorota Goldpoint to our family and are looking forward to her showing her distinctive style of fashion and collection. Her talents, enthusiasm, and curiosity make her a perfect choice for our community. She will bring us collections we’re certain will appeal to the public throughout Dubai and the region. Her presence at d3 is an example of our ever-growing and diverse collection of local, regional, and international designers in the fashion world. It aids in establishing Dubai’s place as a leading global capital of creativity.”

Commenting on her recent appearance in d3 Dorota Goldpoint, she says: “The fashion industry in Dubai is truly inspirational and distinctive. As I have seen other designers visit huge numbers to show their collections at Arab Fashion Week, I am convinced that Dubai will continue to set the standard for international fashion. I’ve visited the region numerous times in the past five years, and it’s my privilege to set the base in Dubai Design District. It’s a stunning place with pulsating optimism and creative energy. In my numerous visits to this area, I’ve noticed that it’s popular with locals with a plethora of renowned fashion labels and intimate cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. As one of the very first Polish women to set up a base here in the d3 region, I’m glad to be a part of this wonderful community that shares an environment with famous names and the most prestigious brands, such as Channel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Hugo Boss, and Vogue and local talents from our region and locals. With people with such impressive talent and backgrounds, I am looking to expand my wings and expand my career and reach out to the region.”

Goldpoint’s debut show during Arab Fashion Week was in October of last year. In her debut show, she showed an extraordinary and vibrant collection influenced by culture, with designs inspired by the Polish folk songs and dance group “Mazowsze,” known across the globe. A reflection of her cheerful and optimistic attitude and outlook, she used vibrant colors and floral designs like poppies, roses, and peonies – the flowers and colors that are a part of the Polish landscape. The show was further enhanced with the perfect use of music and the famous Polish model Grazyna Szapolowska stepping out on the runway.

The brand has recently presented for the Fall-Winter 2024/23 collections for women in March and has created cocktail and evening styles. The cocktail designs she created referenced past eras in the classic, vintage style. The designer also showed pieces she thought would appeal to today’s market – dresses that were draped close on the body and with cut-offs that are symmetrical, as well as vintage prints and classic skirts.

Offering collections for a cocktail, evening casual and sportswear, beach wear, and abayas, the foundation of Goldpoint’s brand is luxurious minimalism, minimalist designs, and fashions with gorgeous proportions, made from natural and high-end fabrics like silk. Inspiring her style, she draws inspiration from contemporary Italian fashion and French style; she uses asymmetric cuts, scaled sleeves, and ruffles. Her designs are in line with the principles of sustainable style. Floral prints are featured in her collection every season. She’s a lover of feminine style, and her designs appeal to women of all sizes and ages. She believes that it is possible to stylishly dress any woman.

Events like Arab Fashion Week, which is organized by d3 in strategic collaboration in conjunction with the Arab Fashion Council, are essential to increasing the district’s reputation as a leading artistic, fashion, and creative center.

The most recent version of Arab Fashion Week in March was the biggest to date, with 28 runway shows featuring fashion designers and models from Italy, USA, France, Russia, Egypt, Palestine, Indonesia, China, Poland, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Algeria, Belarus, Saudi Arabia, and Libya. The diverse selection of shows included famous names like Maram Borhan, Giannina Azar, Ihab Jiryis, Hian Tjen, Hamariff, LuLu Liu, and Michael Cinco, all presenting the world’s first-ever display of couture and ready-to-wear womenswear. Arab Fashion Week will return in October and June this year.

Art can be a massive asset in the current economic climate and is a powerful method to connect people and improve their quality of life for people. According to my organization’s 2024 State of the Art Report, 96% of the respondents think that art improves the living quality of those who work in office space.

More than just beautiful artwork on the wall, art can drive growth. When used to help in early business development, it can be used to create positive change throughout the organization. You should consider three points when deciding whether ways to incorporate art into your plans for development.

Expression of a Brand’s Image Through Artwork

Businesses rely on their brand’s visibility and reputation. Art can tell a story in a way that no other medium can. Improving your brand’s image by presenting a compelling narrative. Art can remind your employees, customers, and the broader community that you’re who you’re and the values you are about while creating a distinct space for your business.

Through the expression of your brand’s identity through artful design, create a space that reflects the mission and values of your company. In addition, it will draw customers to your business (and keep them there for longer). It will also help increase the credibility of your brand and allow you to be recognized incredibly in authentic and genuine ways.

When choosing artwork to represent your company’s image, be sure to consider a variety of artists, mediums, and subjects. This can result in a rich and diverse selection that provides an array of options for all and results in a cohesive artwork specifically curated to enhance your company’s story.

If they are brought in early in the development process, art consultants will work with designers, developers, architects, and other professionals to ensure that the collection aligns with the space’s branding and acts as an indicator of the brand’s values.

It could be as concrete as a piece of work like Denver Water, where my company created three large-scale outdoor sculptures that depict different aspects of water. Or, as the project with Home Advisor, where we assisted them in filling their office with art that plays with different ways of thinking about home.

But the expression of your brand via artwork is also possible than just metaphorically. For instance, my team worked closely with employees from The Denver arts and cultural group, Bonfils Stanton Foundation, to collect works by various local artists, resulting in offices where employees can feel a sense of connection to the community of creatives their organization serves.

In any case, using artwork to visually represent the brand’s image is not an easy task. If you decide to hire an art expert, ensure that they collaborate closely with designers and developers to get to know the company’s identity and connect it with visual concepts and concepts. The result will be an artistic experience that will bring the brand to life and connects with the desired target audience.

Art As A Way To Commit To DEIB

Today more than ever before, companies are being asked about what they believe in and how they can put actual actions behind their claims. Artwork that is diverse in its subject and perspectives can show your dedication to diversity, equity as well as belonging, inclusion, and diversity (DEIB).

About 70% of participants in my survey believe that the primary purpose of art is to help build an understanding of culture and social equity. However, in their most recent projects, only half of the artists we surveyed had female artists in their portfolios 35% showcased artists who identify with being Black or Hispanic, and 15% included an artist who identifies as LGBTQ.

Art can demonstrate a sincere belief in the value of the human experience and help create a community where everyone feels welcome. A commitment to art can be a fantastic opportunity to show how your business is living in line with the DEIB commitment. To achieve this, the artwork you choose to include should reflect a range of backgrounds, reflect the local community, and help the careers of young and marginalized artists.

Increasing your Return On Investment (ROI) Through Art

Beyond the visual aspect, Artwork that local artists have carefully selected can generate publicity and goodwill, connecting employees, customers, and the general public.

More than 90% of the business leaders who participated in my company’s survey said their initiatives would not be as productive without art. A positive experience with art allows companies, from multifamily developments to hotels, to attract higher rates and extended reservations. Employers with offices decorated with art could also boost the recruitment of employees, retention of them, and satisfaction and efficiency.

One of the most significant issues we receive from our clients is the ability to distinguish their properties from others. This is particularly true when the costs of development and construction increase, putting pressure on the budget for art. The best method to get around these challenges is to think about art in the early stages of developing the project. This will ensure that the experience is seamless with the design, architecture, and operations and not being a secondary consideration that leaves a minimal impression on visitors.

When they are brought in earlier, experts in the art can aid in maximizing budgets for artwork and reduce costs by planning dramatic art events that leave a lasting impression on people who interact with the space. If they begin early and work closely with other stakeholders, the project experts can design spaces for striking, iconic art that is impossible anywhere and everywhere else.

Next Steps to Build the Business Case for Art

Art can be a catalyst for the growth of businesses. However, to make art that is a meaningful and memorable experience, it’s essential to start early in the project’s development phase to ensure the best results.

The bottom line is that projects are more efficient when all the stakeholders, decision-makers, and experts collaborate. This can help improve budgets, art location, artist selection, etc. By leveraging leaders’ wisdom, collective experience, and the transformational power of art, a business can generate genuine opportunities to grow and achieve success.